Kathmandu: It is often said that in politics there are no permanent enemies or permanent friends. However, setting aside ideological disputes and public confrontations to express human compassion in a moment of personal loss is often considered a sign of political maturity. The condolence expressed by former Kathmandu Metropolitan City mayor and current senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Balen Shah, following the death of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s father, Mohan Prasad Oli, has drawn attention for this reason.
Balen, who once used extremely harsh and aggressive words against Oli, has now demonstrated a noticeably different tone, which has become a topic of discussion across social media and political circles.
The earlier angry status (8 September)
Some time ago, particularly during the period surrounding the Gen-Z movement, relations between Balen and Oli had become quite strained. On September 8, Balen posted a strongly worded message on social media using highly aggressive language:
“You became a father only to your followers. Had you truly been a father, you would have understood the pain of losing children. The world had never seen such terrorism. You could not even become a human being, let alone a leader—you are a terrorist.”
At that time, he also used the hashtag #kpoliisterriorist, which generated significant reactions in political circles. Many critics argued that such language was inappropriate for someone holding a position like mayor.
Today’s message of condolence (13 March 2026)
However, circumstances change over time. After the passing of former Prime Minister Oli’s father on March 13, 2026, the tone and language used by Balen appeared markedly different. Quoting a Sanskrit verse, he expressed sympathy and respect to Oli during the family’s time of mourning.
Balen wrote in his new status:
“Nāsti pitṛsamaṃ trātā, nāsti pitṛsamo guruḥ।
Nāsti pitṛsamaṃ daivaṃ, tasmai śrīpitṛdevāya namaḥ॥
There is no protector like a father, no teacher like a father, and no deity like a father. One person, many roles.
Having lost my own father not long ago, I understand how empty life can feel in a father’s absence and how deep that irreplaceable loss can be.
I express heartfelt condolences to former Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli on the loss of his father. Respectful tribute to his father—may he attain eternal peace.”
Contrast and message
Comparing the two statements highlights a visible shift in Balen’s tone and expression. Words such as “terrorist” used earlier have now been replaced with respectful condolences addressed to “former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.”
Recalling his own experience of losing his father, Balen’s gesture of expressing sympathy toward a political rival during a moment of grief has been interpreted by many as a sign of political maturity. The episode has also sparked discussion that despite political disagreements, moments of human loss and mourning call for empathy beyond political divisions.
